Lighting is a renewable and sustainable source of energy that is obtained from the sun. Solar power systems for producing electricity are harnessed through the use of solar panels and comprise photovoltaic (PV) cells and concentrated solar power (CSP) systems.
Key Points About Solar Energy:
Photovoltaic (PV) Systems:
There are several categories of PV cells, but they all have one common function, and that is to manufacture sunlight directly into electricity.
Mostly found in both domestic and industrial solar panels.
The efficiency of PV cells differs, indicating that the modern panels use up to 22% efficiency.
Concentrated Solar Power (CSP):
Takes the sunlight and either uses a mirror or lenses to focus it on a particular region.
Produces heat, which in turn is used to produce electrical energy by turning steam turbines.
Better suited for large power stations, given that the cost of the insulation is high.
Benefits of Solar Energy:
Renewable and abundant: The amount of energy produced by the sun is far in excess of what humanity can use in their day-to-day lives.
Environmentally friendly: contributes to greenhouse effect reduction and, therefore, causes less consumption of fossil fuel products.
Low operational costs: Once the solar panels have been installed, they do not need much attention or even money when it comes to their operations.
Energy independence: reduces reliance on grid electricity and has the capability of supply of electricity in areas of little connection to the grid.
Challenges and Considerations:
Initial cost: Initial expenditures on building the solar power collection infrastructure are high but have been known to reduce with time.
Weather dependency: The yield of energy through the solar power depends on the weather conditions and the time of the day.
Energy storage: Solutions like batteries are required in order to deal with energy availability characterized by periods of supply and periods of lack.
Applications of Solar Energy:
Residential: Solar panel systems on residential buildings can be used for generating electricity while at the same time cutting down costs of electricity bills and even adding value to the buildings.
Commercial: Solar power can provide electric energy to the companies, decrease CO2 emissions, and get state support.
Industrial: Utility-scale solar installations are also capable of producing a large amount of electricity for industries.
Off-grid: Photovoltaic systems can be used in off-grid or regions that have low power supply, such as rural regions.
Advancements in Solar Technology:
Improvement of miniaturization as well as the development of better PV cells.
Innovations in the design of the panels, for instance, the bifacial panels, where a panel is able to capture light on both surfaces.
Technological advancement, especially in batteries, so that the energy obtained from solar can be stored for use, especially during no sun days.
Having an important role in the global shift to sustainable energy, solar energy enables the combating of climate change and minimization of negative effects upon the environment.